The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Bar Association, Mumbai and the Customs and Central Excise Tribunal Bar Association West Zone-Mumbai have jointly organised a function to felicitate Hon’ble Justice Shri K.R. Sriram, who has been elevated as Chief Justice of High Court of Madras, on 12th January 2025 at CK Naidu Hall, the Cricket Club of India. The function was attended by Senior Advocates and Advocates. The members of both the Bars participated with a lot of enthusiasm. Especially the presence of young members of the Bar was noticeable.

Chief Guest Hon’ble Shri Shriram Chief Justice of the High Court of Madras was the chief guest of the function and Smt. Usha Sriram was the guest of Honour

Mr. K. Gopal, Advocate, President of the ITAT Bar Association, Mumbai, welcomed the Chief guest, the Guest of Honour and the distinguished audience to this august gathering.

Following the welcome address, several esteemed dignitaries were invited to the dais to share their thoughts and appreciation for the Chief Guest:

1. Mr. Vikram Nankani, Senior Advocate – Delivered a formal introduction of the Chief Guest, highlighting his illustrious career and contributions.

2. Mr. Porus Kaka, Senior Advocate – Recounted a memorable case he had argued before the bench presided over by the Chief Guest, sharing insights into his exemplary judicial demeanour.

3. Mr. V. Sridharan, Senior Advocate – Spoke about Justice Sriram’s commendable qualities, particularly his encouragement to the junior members of the Bar, who appeared before him.

4. Dr. K. Shivaram, Senior Advocate – Congratulated Mr. K Gopal as a President of ITAT Bar Association Mumbai and his team Mr Nitesh Joshi, Mr. Ajay Singh, Mr. Paras Savla, Mr. Rahul Hakani and Mr. Anil Sathe. This is the first program of the new team. Dr. K. Shivaram highlighted the remarkable judicial achievements of the Chief Guest, noting that while on the tax bench, he disposed of over 12,000 cases, and more than 500 cases were reported decisions. He also praised Justice Shriram’s widely acclaimed lecture on the reopening of assessments, delivered at a meeting organised by The Chamber of Tax Consultants on November 12, 2022 on the subject “Land Mark Income-tax rulings” which is hosted in www.itatonline.org. Those who had no opportunity to listen, please listen to the lecture, especially young professionals, it is an eye-opener to all of us. He also stated that the lordship had recommended various suggestions in more than 25 cases to bring accountability to the tax administration.

After these heartfelt Tributes, Mr. K. Gopal invited the Chief Guest to address the gathering.

In his speech, Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri K.R. Sriram reflected on his judicial career. He expressed that his two terms as a Tax Judge at the Bombay High Court were one of his most cherished assignments, noting that the Tax Bar was among the most erudite he had encountered. He also shared his experiences at the Madras High Court.

A publication titled “New Reassessment Regime: Law, Procedure and Practical Guide” wherein Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri K.R. Sriram has penned down a message was handed to his lordship by the author Mr. Shashi Bekal, Advocate.

The Senior Advocates of the tax bar presented a memento to Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri K.R. Sriram. The words enshrined were “In appreciation of a Judge with a rare blend of erudition, legal acumen, wisdom, sagacity and human empathy.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Nitesh Joshi, Vice-President, ITAT Bar Association, Mumbai, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour and all those present for making the occasion memorable.

Members present gave a standing ovation to the Honourable Hon’ble Chief Justice Shri K.R. Shriram and Guest of Honour Smt. Usha Shriram.

Mr. Rahul Hakani, Advocate,
Honorary Secretary, ITAT Bar Association Mumbai.